PLAID CYMRU is calling for a referendum on extra powers for the National Assembly by the end of the year.

Tomorrow, the Queen's Speech is likely to include reference to a White Paper on the issue due to be published next month.

Plaid's Assembly leader Ieuan Wyn Jones said, "By the end of this year the consultation on Labour's White Paper should be completed. Plaid Cymru believes the decision to go for a proper Parliament should rest with the people, not with New Labour in Westminster and Cardiff Bay.

"Today we are calling for an autumn referendum on a Parliament for Wales using the existing powers of the National Assembly.

"We believe this is essential to unlock the majority that exists in Wales to move the devolution project on, rather than continue to muddle along as the Labour Assembly Government does currently.

"We need the law-making powers to protect our communities across Wales and improve our public services. New Labour and their then coalition partners, the Liberal Democrats, created the Richard Commission spending £1m of taxpayers money, but Labour has failed to deliver on the Richard Commission's recommendations for a proper Parliament."

Plaid's parliamentary leader Elfyn Llwyd added, "It is up to the people of Wales to decide how they want to shape their nation's future.

"It is far too important a matter to be left to a few self-serving, anti-Welsh New Labour MPs in London to decide. Everybody accepts the Assembly is not working in its current form, and that the way to improve the situation is to legislate for a proper Parliament on a par with the Scottish Parliament which has been able to deliver for the Scottish people.

"We want a Parliament for Wales that can deliver real change for its people, not a weak Assembly which serves New Labour's purpose."